Correcting the messy situation at the Ma Nhai Stele Monument

(Baonghean.vn) - After Nghe An Newspaper reported, Con Cuong district sent forces to clean up and at the same time planned for repairs.

» The National Monument of Ma Nhai Monument is in disrepair

On September 10, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Nam - Head of the Department of Culture and Information of Con Cuong district said that the district has directed Chi Khe commune to send staff to clean up and rectify the messy situation at the National Monument of Ma Nhai Stele.

"The grass and weeds blocking the entrance and the trash here have been cleaned up," said Mr. Nam, adding that the graffiti on the rocks is so deeply engraved that authorities have not been able to restore it.

Grass and trees block the entrance to Bia Ma Nhai. Photo: Tien Hung

Also according to Mr. Nam, after Nghe An Newspaper reported the shabby situation at Bia Ma Nhai, Con Cuong district leaders are preparing documents and planning to renovate and expand this relic site.

The Ma Nhai stele is carved into Thanh Nam mountain, in Chi Khe commune, less than 200 meters from Highway 7. According to historical documents, after three great victories over the Yuan Mongols, the Tran dynasty had to deal with many other forces. At this time, local chieftains as well as neighboring countries often sent troops to harass the border areas, especially the western region of Nghe An.

Ma Nhai Stele was carved into the mountain rock in the 14th century. Photo: Tien Hung

In the year At Hoi (1335), the retired emperor Tran Minh Tong decided to personally lead the army, "personally commanding the army, giving strict orders, with great prestige", so "Ai Lao heard the news and ran away". The retired emperor immediately ordered the Transport Envoy Nguyen Trung Ngan to compose an inscription on the cliff to commemorate the victory.

The stele has no author and has 14 lines with 155 words. In 2011, this unique stele was ranked as a National Historical and Cultural Relic. However, since then, this relic seems to have been forgotten.

The writings carved deep into the stone have not been restored. Photo: Tien Hung

“I don’t see any tourists coming here. Even if they do, it’s very difficult to find the entrance,” said Nguyen Canh Long (62 years old, Chi Khe commune). Less than 200 meters from National Highway 7, the road to the relic is now blocked by trees and grass. At the foot of the mountain, many bamboo trees have been cut down and lie scattered.

In particular, as soon as you step on the stone stele, you will see a scene of graffiti carved into the stone, right below the stele. Meanwhile, the writing on the stele is now stained and peeling. According to local people, a few years ago, this relic was even "requisitioned" by a woman in the commune to use as a place for fortune telling.

The head of the Department of Culture and Information of Con Cuong district said that this relic currently has a guard. However, it is possible that the monthly allowance of 200,000 VND is too small, so the guard cannot fulfill his responsibility.

Tien Hung